The Plant Technology Center (PTC) is a TUM TechCore Facility that enhances the Munich research landscape by providing cutting-edge infrastructure for the three departments of the TUM School of Life Sciences: Life Science Engineering, Life Science Systems, and Molecular Life Sciences. The PTC supports a broad spectrum of applied plant science research – such as fertilization strategies, climate-resilient crops, robotics, and energy production – as well as fundamental research in molecular biology, plant physiology, and ecology.
Research focuses both on applied topics, such as fertilization strategies, climate-resilient crops, robotics, and energy production, and on basic research in molecular biology, plant physiology, and ecology.
A key focus of the PTC is translating research insights from model plants to crops and transferring these findings into real-world applications. The goal is to develop sustainable solutions for producing high-quality food, feed, and raw materials – in the spririt of “One Health”. At the same time, the PTC addresses fundamental questions about how plant systems function and how they interact with their environment and other organisms, particularly in the face of climate and land-use change.
The PTC offers streamlined and transparent access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure for plant experiments in both field and controlled environments. The three PTC units – the Field Crops Unit (FCU), the Greenhouses & Phytochambers Unit (GPU), and the Forest Research Unit (FRU) – and their teams provide technical and agronomic expertise, ensure smooth operations, and drive the long-term development of TUM’s plant research capabilities.
Field Crops Unit
For field experiments, the research stations in Dürnast, Roggenstein, and Viehhausen provide approximately 600 hectares of arable and grassland trial plots. These sites are equipped with state-of-the-art agricultural machinery, specialized equipment for small-plot trials, advanced measurement technology, weather stations, and mobile shelters.
Greenhouses & Phytochambers Unit
For experiments under controlled conditions, the GPU Dürnast offers greenhouses covering 5,000 square meters, along with additional facilities such as growth halls, plant culture cabins, climate chambers, cold storage rooms, and growth cabinets. The TUMmesa research facility, as well as decentralized climate chambers and greenhouses, further expand the available infrastructure.
Forest Research Unit
For silvicultural and forest ecological research, a variety of forest sites are available for use by TUM. In addition to experimental plots in the Kranzberg Forest, yield-related trial areas are distributed across Bavaria. TUM also conducts research in the University Forest of LMU in Unterlippach.
Underestimated Life on the Surface
Biological soil crusts play a key role in regulating carbon and nitrogen cycles in dryland ecosystems. Researchers at TUM are investigating how climate change threatens their functionality and resilience.
Ecological Research on Climate Change
The video offers insights into research conducted atthe TUM Model EcoSystem Analyser.
Forests in a Changing Climate
As part of the Kranzberg Forest Roof Project (KROOF), TUM researchers investigate how prolonged drought affects the vitality and resilience of forest ecosystems.
Your Experiment at the PTC – From Idea to Practice
We offer researchers at TUM and our collaboration partners easy access to our research facilities. Whether it’s a field trial, greenhouse experiment, or climate chamber study – we have the right solution for every need.
Field Trials: Are you planning an agronomic field trial? Our Field Crops Unit (FCU) is the address for you.
Greenhouse & Controlled Climate Conditions: Are you interested in conducting your research in a greenhouse or under controlled climate conditions? Our Greenhouses and Phytotrons Unit (GPU) will be happy to support you.
High-Precision Climate Control & eCO₂: Does your experiment require highly precise climate regulation, customizable LED lighting, and CO₂ control? Our Model EcoSystem Analyser (TUMmesa) is the ideal solution.
Field Research in the Kranzberg Forest: Would you like to contribute to ongoing research in the Kranzberg Forest or set your own focus? Get in touch with our Forest Research Unit (FRU).